FM to unveil ₹1 trillion Rayalaseema horticulture initiative Friday

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to formally launch a transformative horticulture hub in Rayalaseema on Friday, marking a significant boost for agricultural development in Andhra Pradesh's drought-prone region. The initiative represents a major push to diversify farming and create sustainable economic opportunities across the area.

The three-year implementation roadmap encompasses ₹40,352 crore in public sector investment alongside approximately ₹60,000 crore anticipated from private investors. The programme will establish 201 horticultural clusters spanning 10 districts within the Rayalaseema region, creating an integrated ecosystem for fruit and vegetable cultivation, processing, and export.

The horticulture hub is designed to transform agricultural practices in the semi-arid zone through cluster-based development models. By consolidating resources and expertise across multiple districts, the initiative aims to enhance productivity, improve farmer incomes, and attract agribusiness enterprises to the region.

The project reflects the government's commitment to promoting diversified agriculture and generating employment in rural areas. Officials believe the combination of public infrastructure investment and private sector participation will create modern farming infrastructure, supply chain networks, and value-addition facilities necessary for competitive horticulture operations.